Plant growth regulation using certain substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins

ABSTRACT

Substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins of the formula   &lt;IMAGE&gt; display useful plant growth regulant effects including herbicidal effects. Examples are 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin, and 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide. The compounds are useful for the selective control of grasses and as dwarfing agents, as well as for inhibition of vegetative and reproductive axillary growth, and for increasing the sugar content of sugar producing species. A number of these are new compounds.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 459,442, filed Apr. 9, 1974now U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,264 issued Mar. 30, 1976.

This invention relates to a method of regulating the growth of plantsand to plant growth regulant compositions useful in such method, as wellas to chemical compounds useful in such compositions.

Regulation of the growth of plants is frequently desirable for a numberof reasons. For example, the control of weeds is of great economicimportance. Weed competition inhibits the production of foliage, fruitor seed of agricultural crops. The presence of weeds may also reduce thequality of the harvested crop and reduce harvesting efficiency. Weedcontrol is essential for maximum production of many agronomic andhorticultural crops, including corn (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativaL.) and soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Weeds on non-cropped areasmay cause a fire hazard, undesirable undesirable drifting of sand orsnow, impaired beauty of the landscape and irritation to persons withallergies. The invention, in one aspect, is based on the discovery thatcertain substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins are remarkably effectivepreemergence herbicides, especially for the selective control ofgrasses.

Another form of regulation of plant growth that is of great economicimportance involves non-herbicidal growth regulant effects. Theseinclude, by way of non-limiting example, such effects as dwarfing,antitranspiration inhibition of vegetative and reproductive axillarygrowth and increasing the sugar content of sugar producing species. Inone important aspect the invention provides a highly effective methodfor producing such effects, employing certain substituted2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins.

The substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins employed to produce herbicidaland other plant growth regulating effects in accordance with theinvention are those of the formula ##STR2## wherein the R's are the sameor different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,lower alkyl (especially methyl and ethyl), halogen (e.g., chlorine,bromine, fluorine), lower alkoxy (e.g., methoxy), amino, lower alkylthio(e.g., methylthio), and lower acyloxy (e.g., acetyloxy), and n is zero,1 or 2. The compound wherein all of the R's are hydrogen, and n is zero,namely, 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin, is known [Marshall andStevenson, J. Chem. Soc. 2360 (1959)]; the other compounds are believedto be new.

In a preferred class of compounds useful in the invention the R's havethe following values:

R₁ = h

r₂ = h, ch₃, c₂ h₅

r₃ = h, cl, CH₃

R₄ = h, cl, CH₃

R₅ = h, cl, F, CH₃ ##STR3## SCH₃, R₆ = H, Cl, CH₃

R₇ = h, cl, CH₃ OCH₃

R₈ = h, cl, Br, F, CH₃, C₂ H₅, OCH₃, NH₂

R₉ = h, ch₃

r₁₀ = h.

again, the members of this preferred class of compounds are new, exceptwhere all of the R's are hydrogen and n is zero (i.e., except for2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin).

Of special interest are the compounds of the class described havingsubstituents on one or both phenyls, or a substituent on the dihydroportion of the 1,4-oxathiin ring, or a combination of both. Also ofspecial note are such compounds with a para substituent on the 5-phenylgroup.

In one respect, the invention is concerned with chemicals of the kinddescribed wherein n is 1 or 2, and use thereof in plant growthregulation.

In another respect the invention is directed to chemicals of theabove-stated formula in which at least one of the R's is other thanhydrogen or lower alkyl, as well as plant growth regulant uses of suchchemicals.

The substituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiins employed in the invention maybe prepared by reacting a 2-mercaptoalkanol with an appropriatelysubstituted 2-halo-2-phenylacetophenone in the presence of a base andcyclizing the resulting intermediate with water removal in the presenceof p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The preparation of the2-halo-2-phenylacetophenones may be achieved using one of the followinggeneral procedures:

a. Reaction of a substituted benzoin with thionyl chloride.

b. Reaction of a substituted 2-phenylacetophenone with sulfurylchloride.

c. Reaction of a substituted 2-phenylacetophenone with bromine. The2-phenylacetophenones may be prepared by the standard methods known inthe literature, such as Friedel-Crafts acylation or Grignardcondensation with the appropriate chemicals.

The 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiin in which n is zero may be oxidized to thecorresponding 4-oxide or 4,4-dioxide (n = 1 or 2) by controlled additionof one or two equivalents respectively of a 30% hydrogen peroxidesolution to one equivalent of the oxathiin in glacial acetic acid.

In one aspect, the invention contemplates application of any of thesubstituted 2,3-dihydro-1,4-oxathiin compounds described, in amounteffective to regulate growth, to a locus at which such growth regulanteffects as preemergence herbicidal effects, dwarfing, fruiting bodyinhibition, increasing sugar content, etc., are desired. In anotheraspect, the invention is directed to a plant growth regulant compositioncomprising a chemical compound as described herein, in amount effectiveto regulate the growth of plants, in admixture with a carrier therefor.It will be understood that the term plants as used herein includes plantparts such as foliage, roots, flowers and seeds.

The amount of substituted 1,4-oxathiin employed follows conventionalpractice for herbicidal use or other plant growth regulant uses and thechemical is suitably applied as a formulation in accordance withconventional agricultural chemical practice.

Thus, the chemical may be impregnated on finely-divided or granularinorganic or organic carriers such as attapulgite clay, sand,vermiculite, corn cobs, activated carbon or other granular carriersknown to the art. The impregnated granules may then be spread on thesoil. Furthermore, the chemical may be formulated, for example, as awettable powder by grinding it into a fine powder and mixing it with aninactive powdered carrier to which a surface active dispersing agent hasbeen added. Typical powdered solid carriers are the various mineralsilicates, e.g., mica, talc, pyrophyllite, and clays. The wettablepowder may then be dispersed in water and sprayed on the soil surface,or on crop plants. Similarly, an emulsifiable concentrate may beprepared by dissolving the chemical in a solvent such as benzene,toluene, or other aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon to which a surfaceactive dispersing agent has been added. The emulsifiable concentrate maythen be dispersed in water and applied by spraying. Suitable surfaceactive agents are well known to those skilled in the art, and referencemay be had to McCutcheon's Detergents and Emulsifiers, 1970, AlluredPublishing Corp., Ridgewood, New Jersey, or Hoffman et al. U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,614,916, cols. 2 to 4 and 2,547,724, cols 3 to 4, for examples ofappropriate surface active agents. The concentration of active chemicalin the formulation may vary widely, e.g., from 1 to 95%. Theconcentration of active chemical in dispersions applied to the soil orfoliage is almost invariably from 0.002 to 75%. The chemical isfrequently applied at rates of 0.10 to 25 pounds per acre. For use as apreemergence herbicide, the chemical is applied to soil which containsweed and crop seed (either to the surface of the coil or incorporatedinto the upper 1 to 3 inches of soil). The chemicals may be employedindividually, or as a mixture of two or more chemicals.

The most suitable rate of application in any given case will depend onsuch factors as the particular response desired, soil type, soil pH,soil organic matter content, wind velocity, the quantity and intensityof rainfall before and after treatment, the air and soil temperature,light intensity and light duration per day. All of these factors canhave an influence on the efficacy of the chemicals for a given plantgrowth control use.

The herbicidal use may include selective weed control in crops such assoybeans, sugar beets, etc.

Depending on crop, variety, dosage, time of application and certaincultural practices, growth regulating effects which are obtained includethe following:

a. dwarfing

b. cessation of terminal growth

c. inhibition of axillary and intercalary growth

d. flowering inhibition

e. fruiting body inhibition

f. twisting and epinastic responses

g. modification of root growth

h. increasing sugar in sugar producing species

i. antitranspiration to control water loss.

The foregoing responses are general plant responses any one of whichcould contribute directly to yield increases. For example, a sprayapplication may be made to tobacco after the flowers are removed toobtain excellent axillary growth control. It may be applied to cotton tofacilitate a cut off spray or it may be applied on cotton early toretard the development of rank cotton. Chemicals described herein alsomay be used on ornamental plants. For example, a spray application maybe made to chrysanthemums to obtain disbudding which, if done by hand,is very costly. It has been shown to increase the percent sugar insugar-cane. It can be postulated from the results on sugar-cane that thechemicals may be preventing breakdown of sugars. The chemicals have alsoshown remarkable properties in inhibiting flower bud development onpeaches. This is useful for preventing frost damage in marginal growthareas where late frosts are inevitable. Flower thinning may beaccomplished also.

Another plant growth regulant effect that the chemicals of the inventionexhibit is that of antitranspiration. The chemicals control stomatalopening and hence prevent excessive water loss. Due to this responsegreater yields can be obtained with plants growing under stress.

The following examples, in which all quantities are expressed by weightunless otherwise indicated, will serve to illustrate the practice of theinvention in more detail. Examples 1-51 involve preparation of typicalplant growth regulant chemicals of the invention, employing fourdifferent methods of preparation, identified by the letters A to D inTABLE I, as follows:

A: halogenation of the appropriate 2-phenylacetophenone followed byreaction with a 2-mercaptoalkanol and cyclization.

B: reaction of a purified 2-halo-2-phenylacetophenone with a2-mercaptoalkanol followed by cyclization.

C: oxidation of the appropriate 1,4-oxathiin with one equivalent ofoxidizing agent.

D: oxidation of the appropriate 1,4-oxathinn with two equivalents ofoxidizing agent.

The identity of each of the compounds in the working examples wasestablished partly by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and partly byanalytical data. The n.m.r. spectra of the compounds revealed thecharacteristic couplings due to the protons of the dihydro portion ofthe dihydro-1,4-oxathiin ring, thereby confirming the structure.

In Examples 52-60 and TABLES II-IX the various substituted 1,4-oxathiinsare identified by the Example numbers given in TABLE I.

Preferred new chemicals of the invention are those selected from thegroup consisting of the chemicals of Examples 3, 4, 2, 20, 21, 22, 9,10, 6, 12 and 16; especially preferred are the chemicals of Examples 3,20 and 21.

Plant growth regulant compositions of particular interest containing thepresent chemicals are those based on chemicals selected from the groupconsisting of 1, 3, 9, 12, 20, 21, 16, 17, 18, 29, 30 and 38, morepreferably those based on chemicals 1, 3, 20, 21 and 12.

For use in preemergence control of weeds the preferred chemicals arethose of Examples 3, 20, 21, 30, 38, 10, 16, 18, 13, 24 and 43, moreespecially the chemicals of Examples 3, 21, 18, 10 and 13.

Preferred plant growth retardant chemicals are those of Examples 1, 20,29, 30, 38 and 9, more preferably Examples 1 and 20.

For inhibition of axillary vegetative and reproductive growth, preferredchemicals are those of Examples 1, 3, 9, 12, 20, 21, 16, 17 and 18, morepreferably 1, 3, 20, 21 and 12.

EXAMPLE I

Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin from2-phenylacetophenone and 2-Mercaptoethanol. (Method A)

Powdered 2-phenylacetophenone (1021 g., mp. 55-7°) was charged into athree-necked flask equipped with a strong mechanical stirrer, a refluxcondenser and a dropping funnel. Sulfuryl chloride (430 ml.) was addedin a continuous stream, over 10 minutes, with vigorous stirring. Thereaction mixture was kept molten by heating on a steam bath for 1/2hour. Benzene (2.5 .) was added to the reaction mixture and a portion(300 ml.) of the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to removeexcess sulfuryl chloride. The reactor was cooled to 20° in an ice bathand a stream of ammonia was bubbled into the solution. After 15 minutes,2-mercaptoethanol (385 ml.) was added during 1/2 hour (the reactionmixture temperature remained below 50°). The ammonia sparge wascontinued for 4 additional hours and the reaction mixture was left atroom temperature overnight. A cold solution of hydrochloric acid (1500ml.) prepared by pouring 37% acid (600 ml.) over crushed ice (900 ml.),was poured into the reactor with stirring. After 15 minutes, stirringwas stopped and the reaction mixture separated into two layers. Thebenzene layer was separated, p-toluenesulfonic acid (20 g.) was addedand the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours withazeotropic water removal. After cooling, the benzene solution wassuccessively washed with 1.0 N sodium hydroxide solution (1000 ml.),water (500 ml.), filtered, and evaporated under reduced pressure. Thewarm syrup was then poured slowly into isopropyl alcohol (2.5 l.) withvigorous stirring, left overnight, the solid filtered off, and dried.The light tan coloured product (1062 g., 80% yield) melted at 61°-63°.

Anal. Calc. for C₁₆ H₁₄ OS: C, 75.57; H, 5.55. Found: C, 75.58; H, 5.74.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-2-methyl-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin from2-Chloro-2-phenylacetophenone and 1-Mercapto-2-propanol. (Method B)

A mixture of 1-mercapto-2-propanol (19.2 g.) and triethylamine (10.1 g.)in benzene (25 ml.) was added dropwise to a stirred, cooled (20°),solution of 2-chloro-2-phenylacetophenone (23.0 g.) in benzene (200ml.). The reaction mixture was left at room temperature overnight,washed with water (200 ml.), then with aqueous 5% hydrochloric acid (100ml.). p-Toluenesulfonic acid (1.0 g.) was added to the benzene solutionand the reaction was refluxed for 3 hours with azeotropic water removal.After cooling, the benzene solution was successively washed with 1.0 Nsodium hydroxide solution (100 ml.), water (100 ml.) and the benzeneremoved under reduced pressure. The residue was crystallized fromabsolute ethanol to give light tan-colored crystals (16 g., 60% yield)melting at 68°-69°.

Anal. Calc. for C₁₇ H₁₆ OS: C, 76.10; H, 6.01. Found: C, 76.14; H, 6.05.

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide from2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin and 30% Hydrogen Peroxide. (MethodC)

To a stirred suspension of 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin (63.5g., 0.25 mole) in glacial acetic acid (200 ml.) was added dropwise 30%hydrogen peroxide (20 ml., 0.26 mole). During the addition thetemperature of the reaction mixture was maintained below 25° by coolingin an ice bath. After standing for twelve hours at room temperature, thereaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was poured, withstirring, into water (1400 ml.). The crystalline precipitate wasfiltered, washed with water, and recrystallized from methanol to givecolorless crystals (59.6 g., 88% yield) melting at 157°-9° withdecomposition.

Anal. Calc. for C₁₆ H₁₄ O₂ S: C, 71.10; H, 5.22. Found: C, 71.22; H,5.11.

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of 2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide from2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin and 30% Hydrogen Peroxide. (MethodD)

To a stirred mixture of 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin (12.7 g.,0.05 mole), toluene (25 ml.) and formic acid (4 ml.) was added dropwise30% hydrogen peroxide (12.5 ml., 0.1 mole). The mixture was refluxed ona steam bath for 2 hours, cooled, and the solid product was filteredoff. The product was recrystallized from absolute ethanol to givecolorless crystals (12.5 g., 87%) melting at 178°-179°.

Anal. Calc. for C₁₆ H₁₄ O₃ S: C, 67.12; H, 4.93. Found: C, 66.91; H,4.93.

EXAMPLES 5-51

Using the procedures of the previous examples and appropriate startingmaterials, the substituted 1,4-oxathiins shown in TABLE I are prepared.TABLE I gives the systematic name for each product and identifies themethod used, and also gives melting point data. In subsequent examplesthe compounds are identified by the example numbers given in TABLE I.

                                      TABLE I                                     __________________________________________________________________________    SUBSTITUTED 1,4-OXATHIINS                                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Ex.                              M.P.                                         No.                                                                              Chemical Name        Method   (° C)                                 __________________________________________________________________________     1 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-                                                                          A        61-                                             1,4-oxathiin                  63                                            2 2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-5,6-                                                                          B        68-                                             diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin         69                                            3 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-                                                                          C        157-                                            1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide          159                                           4 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-                                                                          D        178-                                            1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide      179                                           5 2,3-dihydro-6-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                                    B        86-                                             5-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         87                                            6 2,3-dihydro-6-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                                    C        155                                             5-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide                                               7 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        92-                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         94                                            8 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        174-                                            3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 175                                           9 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        68-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         70                                           10 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        108.5-                                          2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 110                                                                           ˜140 dec.                              11 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    D        152-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide                                                                           157                                          12 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        80-                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         82                                           13 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        153-                                            3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 154                                          14 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    D        150-                                            3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide                                                                           152                                          15 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        65.5-                                           2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         67.5                                         16 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        130-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 131                                          17 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                     A        oil                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      18 3-(4-bromophenyl)5,6-dihydro-                                                                      C        135-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 136                                          19 2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-5,6-diphenyl-                                                                 C        145-                                            1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide          147                                          20 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                                    A        75-                                             6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         77                                           21 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                                    C        145-                                            6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 147                                          22 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                                    D        172-                                            6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide                                                                           173                                          23 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        83-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         85                                           24 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        168                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide                                              25 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    D        152-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4,4-dioxide                                                                           153                                          26 5-(4-aminophenyl)-2-ethyl-2,3-                                                                     hydrogenation of                                                                       122-                                            dihydro-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                                      corresponding                                                                          124                                                                  nitro compound                                        27 2,3-dihydro-5-(2-methylphenyl)-                                                                    A        oil                                             6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      28 2,3-dihydro-5-(2-methylphenyl)-                                                                    C        128-                                            6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 130                                          29 2,3-dihydro-5-(3-methylphenyl)-                                                                    A        58-                                             6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         60                                           30 2,3-dihydro-5-(3-methylphenyl)-                                                                    C        113.5-                                          6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 115                                          31 2,3-dihydro-6-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-                                                              A        130-                                            5-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         131                                                                           135 dec.                                     32 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        59-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         61                                           33 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    C        141-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 142                                          34 3-(4-aminophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                     hydrogenation of                                                                       96-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                                              corresponding                                                                          97                                                                   nitro compound                                        35 3-(4-ethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                     A        oil                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      36 3-(4-ethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                     C        oil                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide                                              37 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-                                                                   A        oil                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      38 2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-                                                                   C        134-                                            6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 136                                          39 2-[4-(acetyloxy)phenyl]-5,6-dihydro-                                                               A        108-                                            3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         109                                          40 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        70-                                             3-(4-methylphenyl)-1,4-oxathiin                                                                             72                                           41 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                A        72-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         73                                           42 3-(3,5-dimethyphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                 A        76-                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         77                                           43 3-(3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                C        143-                                            2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 145                                          44 2,3-dihydro-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-                                                                   A        73-                                             6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         76                                           45 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        71-                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         73                                           46 2-(3-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                                    A        49-                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         50                                           47 5,6-dihydro-2-(3-methylphenyl)-                                                                    A        oil                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      48 5,6-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-                                                                    A        57-                                             3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin         58                                           49 2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                           A        oil                                             6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      50 2,3-dihydro-2-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                                           C        150-                                            6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide 151                                          51 3-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-5,6-dihydro-                                                           A        oil                                             2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                      __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 52

To illustrate effectiveness of the described oxathiins as preemergentherbicides, 600 mg chemical is dissolved in 10 ml organic solvent (e.g.,acetone) to which 30 mg conventional emulsifying agent (e.g.,isooctylpolyethoxyethanol, "Triton X 100" trademark) is added. Thesolution is diluted to 100 ml with distilled water. Twenty ml of this6000 ppm solution is diluted to 250 ppm with distilled water. Thechemical is applied at the rate of 10 lbs/A (pounds per acre) bydrenching 46 ml of the 250 ppm solution on the surface of soil in 41/2inch plastic pots which had been planted with the following weeds: roughpigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.),tall morningglory (Ipomea purpurea L. Roth), crabgrass (Digitariaischaemum (Schred.) Muhl.), Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L)Beauv.) and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.). The percent controlof the weeds compared to untreated checks is determined two weeks aftertreatment. TABLE II shows the results with the preemergence herbicidesof the invention prepared in accordance with the above examples.

                  TABLE II                                                        ______________________________________                                        Preemergence Herbicides                                                       Percent Control of Weeds Including -                                               Pig-    Purs-   Tall M. Bnyd- Crab- Giant                                Ex.  weed    lane    glory   grass grass Foxtail                              ______________________________________                                         1   100     100     0       100   0     0                                     3   0       0       0       100   100   100                                  20   0       0       75      90    100   95                                   21   88      100     100     100   100   100                                  22   0       0       0       15    90    75                                   28   0       --      0       50    95    0                                    29   0       0       0       50    95    95                                   30   --      --      0       95    100   100                                  38   0       0       0       95    98    100                                   9   0       0       0       0     50    50                                   10   75      50      40      95    100   100                                  15   0       0       0       50    90    10                                   16   10      0       0       95    100   95                                   17   0       0       0       50    90    10                                   18   90      90      0       90    100   98                                   12   0       0       0       50    95    25                                   13   98      100     0       100   100   100                                  23   0       0       0       0     98    100                                  24   0       90      0       100   100   100                                  25   0       0       0       25    95    100                                  40   0       0       0       75    90    100                                  43   0       80      0       98    100   100                                   2   0       100     0       75    95    90                                   19   100     100     0       95    98    95                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 53

Selectivity of a herbicide is desirable since it allows control of weedsgrowing among desirable crop plants. To illustrate the usefulness of theoxathiins of the invention as selective preemergence herbicides, 15 mgchemical is dissolved in 5 ml organic solvent containing 25 mgconventional emulsifying agent (e.g., isooctylpolyethoxyethanol) andthis solution diluted to 300 ml with distilled water. The chemical isapplied at the rate of 2 lbs/A by drenching the surface of soilcontaining weed and crop seeds in 6-inch plastic pots with 80 ml of the50 ppm solution. The percent weed control and crop injury are evaluated2 weeks after emergence of the crops. TABLE III illustrates theusefulness of these chemicals as selective preemergence herbicides.

                  TABLE III                                                       ______________________________________                                        Selective Preemergence Herbicide Test                                         ______________________________________                                        Percent Weed Control                                                          Wild       Texas              % Crop Injury                                        Wild   Mus-   Pani- Quack Bynd Sugar-     Soy-                           Ex.  Oats   tard   cum   grass grass                                                                              beets Corn beans                          ______________________________________                                        3    80     70     100   100   100  0     10   0                              21   80     85     100   100   100  0     0    20                             ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 54

Listed below are non-limiting examples of formulations which can beprepared with chemicals of this invention.

    ______________________________________                                        1.  10.2% active one lb/gallon emulsifiable                                       concentrate                                                                   a. 2,3-Dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                      4-oxide                      61.2 g.                                          b. Chloroform               305.4 g.                                          c. *Triton X-114 (trademark; octyl phenoxy                                    poly ethoxy ethanol)        112.2 g.                                          d. Toluene                  121.2 g.                                      ______________________________________                                         *other surfactants such as Rohm & Haas's AH861 (trademark),                   anionic/nonionic blended surfactant, can be substituted                  

    2.  50% active wettable powder                                                    a. 2,3-Dihydro-6-phenyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-                                   1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide         40.0 g.                                          b. Emcol L-72-34 (trademark) sodium dodecyl                                   benzene sulfonate            0.8 g.                                           c. Polyfon F (trademark) sodium lignin                                        sulfonate                    0.96 g.                                          d. Dixie Clay (trademark) Kaolinite clay                                                                   9.6 g.                                           e. Hi Sil (trademark) hydrated amorphous                                      silicates                    28.64 g.                                     3.  47.3% active 4 lb/gallon emulsifiable                                         concentrate                                                                   a. 5,6-Dihydro-2,3-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin                                                                   24.00 g.                                         b. **Triton X-114            5.00 g.                                          c. Naphtha                   21.79 g.                                     ______________________________________                                         **other surfactants such as Rohm & Haas's AH861 (trademark)                   anionic/nonionic blended surfactant can be substituted.                  

EXAMPLE 55

Four crop species are planted in regular potting medium contained in 12oz styrofoam cups. The four crops are Pinto Beans--Phaseolus vulgaris;Cotton--Gossypium hirsutum; Soybeans--Glycine max and Wheat--Triticumaestivum L. Six hundred mg chemical is dissolved in 10 ml acetone, 1-3ml toluene and 30 mg of isooctylphenylpolyethoxyethanol (Triton X100;trademark). This mixture is diluted to a volume of 100 ml with distilledwater. This mixture contains 6000 ppm active ingredient by weight. Themixture is sprayed to runoff on the four species aforementioned. Theplants are sprayed with a DeVilbiss atomizing sprayer at the followingstages of growth.

Pinto Beans -- very early first trifoliate

Cotton -- fully expanded primary lead stage

Soybeans -- first trifoliate nearly expanded

Wheat -- 2-4 leaf stage

Plant growth regulant observations were made from 5 days after sprayingthroughout the next 3 weeks. These observations included retardation,formative effects and phytotoxicity. These data are presented in TABLEIV, wherein "retd" stands for retardation, "phyto" stands forphytotoxicity, "N.G." stands for new growth, "trif" stands fortrifoliate, and "n.e." stands for no effect.

                  TABLE IV                                                        ______________________________________                                        Plant Growth Regulation                                                       Ex.  Bean        Cotton      Soybean Wheat                                    ______________________________________                                         1   90% retd    30% retd    20% retd                                                                              20% phyto                                 3   n.e.        10% phyto   35% phyto                                         5   n.e.        10% phyto   10% phyto                                                                             50% phyto                                 6   n.e.        N.G. sl.    slight  10% phyto                                                 deformed                                                                      and         puckering                                                         chlorotic                                                    20   20% retd    80%         80% N.G.                                                                              20% retd                                                  terminal    retd                                                              growth                                                                        retarded                                                     21   n.e.        Trifoliates N.G.    30% retd                                                  severely retd                                                                             severely                                                                              darker                                                                epinastic                                                                             green                                    22   n.e.        n.e.        30% retd                                                                              5% phyto                                 27   Trifoliate  25% phyto   75% phyto                                                                             50% phyto                                     retd                                                                     28   n.e.        20% phyto   30% retd                                                                              n.e.                                     29   Trifoliate  N.G. 60%    60% retd                                                                              10% phyto                                     50% retd    retd                                                         30   20% retd    N.G. 60%    60% retd                                                                              n.e.                                                      retd                                                         35   N.G. 50% retd                                                                             N.G. 60% retd                                                                             50% retd                                                                              n.e.                                                                  dark green                                       36   Trif 75% retd                                                                             N.G. 60% retd                                                                             85% phyto                                                                             --                                       37   N.G. 50% retd                                                                             N.G. 80% retd                                                                             20% retd                                                                              --                                       38   60% retd    N.G. 20% retd                                                                             30% retd                                                                              60% retd                                      dark green                      dark green                                7   75%         N.G. 30% retd                                                                             sl      20% phyto                                     retd        forced terminal                                                                           epinasty                                                          growth                                                        8   n.e.        sl epinasty N.G.    10% phyto                                                             epinasty                                          9   Trif 100%   100% retd   80% retd                                                                              n.e.                                          retd                                                                     10   n.e.        Trif retd   80% retd                                                                              80% retd                                 32   Trif 80%    sl epinasty 30% retd                                                                              5% phyto                                      retd                    dark green                                       33   n.e.        5% phyto    N.G. 60%                                                                              n.e.                                                                  retd                                                                          dark green                                       15   10% phyto   terminal    30% retd                                                                              10% phyto                                                 80% retd    100% phyto                                       16   20% retd    Terminal 80%                                                                              N.G. 100% retd                                                                        20% retd                                                  retd                                                         17   n.e.        80% retd term                                                                             100% retd                                                                             20% retd                                                  stopped                                                      18   30% retd    Terminal 80%                                                                              80% retd                                                                              30% retd                                                  retd                                                         12   10% phyto   N.G. 60% retd                                                                             N.G. 100% retd                                                                        15% phyto                                13   n.e.        N.G. 30% retd                                                                             60% retd                                                                              30% retd                                                              dark green                                                                            dark green                               23   n.e.        20% phyto   Terminals                                                                             20% retd                                                              60% retd                                         24   n.e.        Terminal 30%                                                                              60% retd                                                                              20% retd                                                  retd                                                         25   n.e.        n.e.        30% retd &                                                                            n.e.                                                                  dark green                                       40   n.e.        N.G. 50% retd                                                                             N.G. 80% retd                                                                         30% retd                                                                      dark green                               41   n.e.        50% retd    20% phyto                                                                             15% phyto                                43   n.e.        N.G. 30% retd                                                                             n.e.    n.e.                                      2   n.e.        n.e.        80% retd                                                                              10% retd                                 19   60% retd    N.G. 30% retd                                                                             60% retd                                                                              60% retd                                 45   75% retd    N.G. mod    60% retd                                                                              n.e.                                                      puckered                                                     46   N.G. 35%    N.G. 95%    80% retd                                                                              n.e.                                          retd        killed                                                       47   N.G. dark   N.G. 95%    40% retd                                                                              n.e.                                          green       killed                                                       48   N.G. dark   N.G. 90%    40% retd                                                                              n.e.                                          green       killed                                                       51   N.G. 80%    30% retd    50% retd                                                                              n.e.                                          retd                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 56

To further illustrate the utility of these chemicals, data are presentedin this Example on the growth retarding properties of soybeans (Corsoyvariety). Seventy-five mg chemical is dissolved in 10 ml acetone, 2 mltoluene and 30 mg of Triton X100 (isooctyl phenyl poly ethoxyethanol).This mixture is diluted to a 50 ml volume with distilled water. Thismixture is equivalent to 1500 ppm. In some cases a lower rate of 750-800ppm is used, thus only 38-40 mg are used respectively for the mixture.This mixture is sprayed to runoff on three pots each containing twosoybean plants in the early first trifoliate leaf stage. The spray isapplied with a DeVilbiss atomizing sprayer. The first height measurementis taken at spraying time and the second when the control plants beganto pod or approximately 4 weeks after spraying. A percent growth figureis obtained by using the following formula ##EQU1## where G.C. standsfor growth of control plants in cm, and G.T. stands for growth oftreated plants. TABLE V shows the unique growth retarding properties ofthe chemicals on soybeans.

                  TABLE V                                                         ______________________________________                                        Soybean Retardation                                                           ______________________________________                                        Ex.       Rate PPM      % Retardation                                         ______________________________________                                        1         750           76                                                    20        750           90                                                    21        750           67                                                    6         750           57                                                    9         1500          36                                                    10        1500          37                                                    17        1500          30                                                    18        1500          39                                                    28        800           52                                                    29        800           58                                                    30        800           82                                                    37        1500          13                                                    38        1500          76                                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 57

The unique property of these chemicals to inhibit axillary growth isexhibited in this Example. Four hundred mg chemical is dissolved in 10ml solvent (e.g. tolune, acetone, or mixture thereof) containing 3%surfactant (e.g., isooctylphenylpolyethoxyethanol [Triton X100;trademark], polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate [Tween 20; trademark]or AH831 [trademark] blend of anionic and nonionic surfactants). Thismixture, diluted to 100 ml with distilled water, is equivalent to 4000ppm chemical. Lower dosages may be made by diluting the 4000 ppmformulation or by dissolving less chemical in the solvent mixture.Twenty ml of one of the mixtures described above is sprayed on tobaccoplants (Nicotiana tabacum Xanthii variety) at the early flowering stage,but with flowers removed to force axillary growth. The spray is directedto the terminal growing areas in order to facilitate wetting each nodeas the mixture runs down the central stalk. Percent sucker control dataare calculated on the green weight of the suckers which are pluckedapproximately 4 weeks after spray application. The following formula isused to calculate percent sucker control: ##EQU2## where S.W.C. standsfor sucker weight in grams for the control and S.W.T. stands for suckerweight in grams for the treated plant. TABLE VI shows the unique abilityof the chemicals to inhibit sucker or axillary bud growth.

                  TABLE VI                                                        ______________________________________                                        SUCKER CONTROL                                                                                        % Axillary Bud                                        Ex.       Rate PPM      Control                                               ______________________________________                                        1         4000          99                                                    3         1000          88                                                    9         4000          91                                                    10        4000          68                                                    12        4000          100                                                   13        4000          80                                                    20        3000          99                                                    21        3000          99                                                    6         3000          63                                                    30        4000          77                                                    15        3000          76                                                    16        3000          99                                                    17        3000          95                                                    18        3000          91                                                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 58

To explain more clearly the activity of this invention on flowering, thefollowing test on chrysanthemum is described. A sprayable formulation ismade by emulsifying 1.06 g of a 4 lb active gallon (see Example 54formulation 3 for composition) containing2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin and diluting this mixture to 100ml volume with water. This mixture is equivalent to 5000 ppm. Arespective dosage of 2500 is made by diluting the 5000 ml emulsion. Thissprayable formulation is applied to Fred Shoesmith mums that had beenexposed to 16 and 23 Short Days (10hours) to induce flowering. The sprayis applied to runoff with a DeVilbiss atomizing sprayer. The plants areplaced back in the growth chamber until the total short day period of 6weeks is completed. They are then removed and placed in a greenhouseuntil flowering. Data are taken by counting the number of axillaryflower buds 1/2 inch or longer below the terminal flower. These data arepresented in TABLE VII. The date in TABLE VII illustrate the uniqueproperties of this invention in reducing the number of flower buds thatwould ordinarily require hand removal.

                  TABLE VII                                                       ______________________________________                                        Chrysanthemum Flowering                                                       ______________________________________                                                                       Average                                                                       Axillary                                                 Rate     Spray       Flower Buds                                    Treatment PPM      Timing      Per Plant                                      ______________________________________                                        Ex. I Chem.                                                                             5000     16 days     4.5                                                               after                                                                2500     first 10-   5.3                                                               hour day                                                             5000     23 days     4.0                                                               after                                                                2500     first 10-   5.9                                                               hour day                                                   Checks                         12.0                                           ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 59

To illustrate further the growth regulating properties of the chemicalson the metabolic activity of plants, 45.6 cc of chemical (formulated asa four pound active gallon--see Example 54 formulation 3 forcomposition) were brought up to an 1892 ml volume with water. Thissolution was applied at a 3 lb per acre rate in 30 gallons of water tosugarbeets, Beta vulgaris, three weeks before harvest.

The yield data were determined by hand harvesting each of threetreatment replicates which consisted of one row 15 feet long. The sugarcontent was determined by measuring the sucrose content of beets thatwere randomly selected from each plot.

The data are given in TABLE VIII illustrating the increase in sugarcontent due to the chemical application. Based on an average yield of40,000 pounds of beets are acre, the one percent increase would add 400pounds of extra sugar per acre.

                  TABLE VIII                                                      ______________________________________                                        SUGAR INCREASE                                                                ______________________________________                                                       Rate         Sugar                                             Treatment      (lbs/A)      (%)                                               ______________________________________                                        Ex 1 Chem.     3            16.08                                             "              1-1/2        15.62                                             Check                       15.05                                             ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 60

To illustrate further the unique growth regulating properties of thechemicals on flowering, 8.5 g. of the chemical of EXAMPLE 1 (formulatedas a four pound action gallon--see EXAMPLE 54 for composition) wasbrought up to a 400 ml volume with water. This emulsion was applied tofour replicate branches of Red Haven peaches that were in the secondyear of bearing. The flower buds at this time were in the tight budstage. The chemical emulsion was applied to the branches to the point ofrun off, with a 1/2 inch brush. The buds were counted and record foreach branch. Each branch had an average of 35 flower buds. The number offlower buds open were counted 28 and 33 days after application andcompared to the original bud count. The percent flowers open figure wasestablished from these two counts, with the results shown in TABLE IX.

A peach farmer is often faced with yield losses due to late frost. Thechemicals herein described inhibit flower opening and hence flower kill.

                  TABLE IX                                                        ______________________________________                                        INHIBITION OF FLOWER OPENING                                                                 Percent Flowers Open                                                                28 days     33 days                                                           after       after                                        Chemical Rate PPM    Application Application                                  ______________________________________                                        Ex. 1    10,000      10.2         17.6                                                  5,000      64.3         91.6                                                  2,500      62.5        100.0                                        Check                80.0        100.0                                        ______________________________________                                    

We claim:
 1. A method of inhibiting the axillary or intercalary growthof plants comprising applying to a locus at which it is desired toregulate the growth of plants, a substituted 2,3-dihydro-1, 4-oxathiinchemical of the formula ##STR4## wherein the R's having the followingvalues: R₁ = HR₂ = h, ch₃ or C₂ H₅ R₃ = h, cl or CH₃ R₄ = h, cl or CH₃R₅ = h, cl, F, CH₃, ##STR5## or SCH₃ R₆ = H, Cl or CH₃ R₇ = h, cl, CH₃or OCH₃ R₈ = h, cl, Br, F, CH₃, C₂ H₅, OCH₃ or NH₂ R₉ = h or CH₃ R₁₀ =hand n is zero, 1 or 2, the said plant growth regulant effect being anon-herbicidal plant growth regulant effect and the said chemical beingapplied in non-herbicidal amount sufficient to produce the saidnon-herbicidal axillary or intercalary plant growth inhibiting effect.2. A method as in claim 1, in which the said chemical is2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin,2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide,3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin,2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin,2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin,2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide,3-(3-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide,3-(4-bromophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin, or3-(4-bromophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-2-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide.
 3. A methodas in claim 2 in which the said chemical is2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin.
 4. A method as in claim 2 inwhich the said chemical is 2,3-dihydro-5,6-diphenyl-1,4-oxathiin4-oxide.
 5. A method as in claim 2 in which the said chemical is2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin.
 6. A method as inclaim 2 in which the said chemical is2,3-dihydro-5-(4-methylphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin 4-oxide.
 7. Amethod as in claim 2 in which the said chemical is2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-1,4-oxathiin.